Review finds modest relief, major risks from a go-to pain drug
Earth.com • • health
Key Points:
- Tramadol, widely prescribed for chronic pain due to its perceived balance of effectiveness and safety, has been re-evaluated in a large review analyzing 19 clinical trials with 6,506 participants.
- The review found that tramadol provides only slight pain relief that is unlikely to improve daily functioning, while significantly increasing the risk of serious side effects, particularly heart-related problems.
- Common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, constipation, and sleepiness were also more frequent among tramadol users, which can negatively impact quality of life, especially in older adults.
- The study highlights concerns about tramadol’s safety, noting that its potential harms likely outweigh its limited benefits, and calls for minimizing its use amid the broader opioid crisis.
- These findings suggest a need to reconsider tramadol’s role in chronic pain management, emphasizing caution due to the drug’s risks despite its widespread use and trust among patients and doctors.
